Authors

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-2003

Abstract

We studied roosting ecology of reproductive (pregnant or lactating) adult female eastern pipistrelles (Pipistrellus subflavus) in Indiana. Nineteen bats were radiotagged and 37 roost trees identified. Pipistrelles roosted exclusively in foliage, typically in clusters of dead leaves (65%) and less often in live foliage (30%) or squirrel nests (5%). Oaks (Quercus species) were preferred as roost trees. Roost trees and height of foliage roosts were both located well below the forest canopy. Bats remained at roost trees for 6 days on average before moving to new roosts and traveled approximately 19–139 m between roost trees. This is the 1st thorough analysis of roosting habits of this common species under natural conditions.